CN-0301 Software User Guide

Overview

CN-0301 is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) signal conditioning circuit. The system converts the output of the LVDT sensor to a unipolar DC voltage and drives the inputs of a successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

This circuit uses a single chip solution that drives the excitation signal of the primary side of the LVDT and converts the secondary side. The complete system uses a 12-bit ADC resulting in a dynamic range of 82dB at a standard LVDT bandwidth of 250Hz. (The term bandwidth used in this case is referring to a sinusoidally varying mechanical position and can be easily configured to meet wider bandwidth applications by configuring a few external passive components.)

The signal conditioning circuitry of the system consumes only 15mA of current from the ±15V supply and 3mA from the +5V supply making this configuration suitable for industrial precision position and gauging applications such as flight control surface position feedback.

This circuit note discusses the design steps needed to optimize the circuit shown in Figure 1 for a specific bandwidth including noise analysis and component selection considerations.

This user guide will discuss how to use the evaluation software to collect data from the EVAL-CN0301-SDPZ Evaluation Board (CN-0301 Board)

Installing the Software

Extract the file CN0301_Evaluation_Software.zip and open the file setup.exe.

NOTE: It is recommended that you install the CN-0301 Evaluation Software to the default directory path C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\CN0301\ and all National Instruments products to C:\Program Files\National Instruments\

Click Next to view the installation review page

Click Next to start the installation

Upon completion of the installation of the CN-0301 Evaluation Software, the installer for the ADI SDP Drivers will execute.

NOTE: It is recommended that you close all other applications before clicking “Next”. This will make it possible to update relevant system files without having to reboot your computer.

Press “Next” to set the installation location for the SDP Drivers.

It is recommended that you install the drivers to the default directory path C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SDP\Drivers

Press “Next” to install the SDP Drivers and complete the installation of all software. Click “Finish” when done.

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